'Moderate' Tag Poses Dilemma for Democrats

America wasn't ready for a new progressive era

(NEWSER) - Democrats didn’t just get stomped because of the economy, and they didn’t just have a communication problem. “The public heard us,” writes retiring Sen. Evan Bayh in the New York Times , “but disagreed with our approach.” Democrats overestimated their mandate. Exit polls in 2008 showed 22% as liberals, 32% as conservative, and 44% as moderates. “An electorate that is 76% moderate to conservative was not crying out for a move to the left.” More»

Opponents' ability to criticize with impunity hinders the president's effectiveness

(NEWSER) - Barack Obama has been praised for bringing a more conciliatory tone to the presidency after the with-us-or-against-us swagger of George W. Bush. But Obama’s preference for gentle negotiation and compromise leaves him less able to use an effective presidential tool: fear, writes Ben Smith for Politico. Obama has failed to make the impression, among conservative Democrats and Republicans alike, that openly criticizing him will have any long-term consequences. More»

Conyers, Feinstein, Biden could be pains in president's rear

(NEWSER) - The good vibrations can’t last forever. Sooner or later, President Obama is bound to run afoul of members of his own party. Glenn Thrush, in Politico, scopes out the suspects:

• John Conyers: The irrepressible House Judiciary chairman wants to investigate the US attorneys scandal and other potential Bush-era malfeasance, despite Obama’s desire to “look forward.”
• Dianne Feinstein: Senator has already made Obama apologize for not keeping her in the loop.

Energy and Commerce Committee will see much legislation from Obama

(NEWSER) - House Democrats elected Californian Henry Waxman to chair the House Energy and Commerce Committee today, the Hill reports. Waxman’s new post will hold considerable influence over how the next administration will effect its legislative agenda; his selection over Michigan’s John Dingell, who has served on the committee for 28 years, is seen as a victory for the further-left elements of the party. More»

Some moderates, liberals reluctant to voice support for reelection bid

(NEWSER) - It may not come as a surprise that Joe Lieberman isn’t sure where he stands on President Obama’s reelection bid—but a number of Obama’s fellow Democrats aren’t rushing to support him, either. Instead, they’re refusing to comment or choosing their words carefully, Politico finds. Just a few Blue Dog Democrats the site contacted were willing to offer their views on the 2012 presidential race; other Dems skirted the issue. Some are holding off until they learn who Obama's opponent will be. More»